More rural would mean less expensive, yet still have competitive rents.

I do have to note my house had a little more sqft, and overall a nicer looking home compared to my competition. 

Could be because not all HVAC companies install them, so there's less competition to keep prices reasonable.

I wouldn't do any spec building in the "modest home price market", you have too much competition from the production builders like Pulte, KB Homes, etc that have enormous buying power and can sell and make money for less than you can build for...

What is your competitive advantage moving forward? 

I am beginning to wonder if the market is flooded and everyone is viewed as competition instead of business associates. 

As I'm sure you know, that market is very competitive.

And it's competitive pay.  

I have a background in design both lighting and scenic for television... as well as the craftsmanship/contracting behind it... so I feel like I can bring a bit of a competitive advantage to bear in terms of value added.

Looks like on CL presently your only competition for rentals would be large single family homes at higher price price points than $900/mo.